the core of the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the core of the problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the fundamental issue or main point of a situation or discussion. Example: "After analyzing the situation, we realized that the core of the problem lies in communication breakdowns between departments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is the core of the problem.

The New York Times

Perhaps that's the core of the problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

We are arriving at the core of the problem.

The New Yorker

INDEED, scientists' ignorance is at the core of the problem.

The New York Times

The core of the problem is the Fed's inflation target.

The New York Times

The core of the problem is not financial.

The Guardian - Sport

Human behavior is at the core of the problem.

Harvard Business Review

And that's at the core of the problem here".

The New York Times

"That's the core of the problem," said a senior EU official dealing with Turkey.

The Guardian

Divergent views of progress are at the core of the problem, said Ms. Galef.

The New York Times

At the core of the problem is the lack of job growth.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the core of the problem", ensure it is followed by a clear and specific explanation of what that core is. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "the core of the problem" as a placeholder without adequately identifying and elaborating on the specific issue. A vague statement can undermine the point you're trying to make.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the core of the problem" functions as a noun phrase that introduces the central or most important aspect of a problematic situation. It sets the stage for a detailed explanation of the key issue as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the core of the problem" is a frequently used phrase that helps to introduce the central issue in a discussion. As Ludwig AI and the numerous examples show, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and is widely used in news, business, and more general contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to follow up with a clear explanation of the core issue to maintain clarity. Closely related alternatives are for example "the heart of the matter" and "the root cause".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The heart of the matter

Emphasizes the emotional or central importance.

The central issue

Highlights the main point of contention or difficulty.

The root cause

Focuses on the fundamental reason behind the problem.

The fundamental issue

Stresses the basic and underlying nature of the problem.

The essence of the matter

Points to the most important aspect or quality.

The crux of the problem

Highlights the decisive point that needs resolution.

The key issue

Emphasizes the importance and significance of the issue.

The central point

Focuses on the main idea or argument.

The underlying cause

Highlights the hidden or less obvious reason.

The mainspring of the difficulty

Emphasizes the origin or motive behind the problem

FAQs

How can I use "the core of the problem" in a sentence?

Use "the core of the problem" to introduce the most fundamental aspect of an issue. For example: "The core of the problem is lack of funding".

What phrases are similar to "the core of the problem"?

You can use alternatives like "the heart of the matter", "the root cause", or "the central issue" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "the core of the problem" in formal writing?

Yes, "the core of the problem" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when discussing analysis, reports, or proposals. Its use is widespread across various reputable publications.

How do I identify "the core of the problem" effectively?

Identify "the core of the problem" by conducting thorough analysis and investigation to pinpoint the fundamental issue that causes the problem. Consider also use "the five whys" technique to drill down to a problem's root.